Officials tracking down dozens who contacted Ebola patient: report

Health officials are tracking down up to 100 people who may have crossed paths with the first-ever Ebola patient in the U.S., according to CNN.

The cable outlet, citing a federal official, said these people may have encountered Thomas Eric Duncan at his apartment complex, in the community or at the hospital in Dallas.

However, the number of direct contacts who’ve been confirmed is closer to 12, the official told CNN.

Officials say no one being monitored for the virus, including five school-age children, have exhibited symptoms so far, although the incubation period lasts three weeks.

Texas health officials have ordered several of Mr. Duncan’s family members to stay in their home and not accept visitors until Oct. 19.

“The family was having some challenges following the directions to stay home, so we’re taking every precaution,” Texas Department of Health spokeswoman Carrie Williams said of the order, according to CNN. “Food and other needs of the family are being worked out logistically today. Those needs will be specifically covered to allow them to stay in the house.”